Author: D. Berliner
Edition: Model Aviation - 1991/08
Page Numbers: 85, 86, 87, 88, 89
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Aircraft of the Gulf War

The recent six-weeks' war in the Persian Gulf, thanks in part to aircraft and missiles of a technical precision never before seen, was fought predominantly in the skies—and largely by one side. Here, Model Aviation takes a look at the helicopters and missiles that helped the allied forces achieve one of the swiftest victories in modern warfare. Part Two of a three-part series. Don Berliner

The first installment of this three-part series presented in-depth coverage of advanced-technology airplanes that were used by or available to the allied coalition in the six-weeks' Persian Gulf War, from the radar-evading Lockheed F-117A stealth fighter to the world's only VTOL combat plane (the McDonnell Douglas/British Aerospace AV-8 Harrier). Here we continue with a survey of the helicopters and missiles used by or available to the allies.

Unlike previous wars in which air forces used equipment developed and produced at home, in the Persian Gulf conflict both the allies and the Iraqis purchased aircraft and missiles on the open market. As a result, frequently the two sides had access to or deployed the same types of equipment.

Allied Coalition Helicopters

Bell UH-1 Iroquois

The UH-1 has been a standard utility helicopter with the U.S. Army since the Vietnam War. The current UH-1H version (dating from 1967) can carry up to 14 fully armed soldiers, six litters for wounded soldiers, or 3,900 pounds of cargo. Other versions are designed for electronic warfare and mine-laying.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 57 ft. 10 in.
  • Rotor diameter: 48 ft. 0 in.
  • Performance:
  • Top speed: 127 mph
  • Maximum rate of climb (sea level): 1,600 ft/min
  • Maximum range: 320 miles
  • Powerplant: Avco-Lycoming T53 turboshaft, 1,400 hp

Bell AH-1 Huey Cobra

An armed attack helicopter based on the Iroquois, the AH-1 has been supplied to Spain and Israel as well as to U.S. Army and Marine Corps units. Weapons include miniguns and various rockets and missiles.

  • Typical armament: miniguns, rockets, anti-tank missiles

Hughes AH-64 Apache

Equipped with a 30mm multibarrel cannon and laser-guided Hellfire missiles, and with crew protection provided by boron-carbide armor bonded to Kevlar, the Apache is the most modern antitank helicopter in service. The helicopter can also carry 2¾-in. rockets on stub wings.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 48 ft. 1 in.
  • Rotor diameter: 48 ft.
  • Maximum weight: 21,000 lb.
  • Performance:
  • Cruising speed: over 180 mph
  • Range: 300 miles
  • Powerplant: Two General Electric T700 turboshafts, 1,700 hp each

Boeing Vertol CH-46

A tandem-rotor helicopter with a reputation as a versatile carrier of troops and cargo. It can lift up to 25 armed soldiers or carry 10,000 pounds of freight on an underslung hook.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 51 ft.
  • Rotor diameter: 44 ft. 10 in.
  • Gross weight: 23,000 lb.
  • Performance:
  • Cruising speed: 165 mph
  • Service ceiling: 14,000 ft
  • Powerplant: Two Avco Lycoming T55 turboshaft engines, 3,750 hp each

Sikorsky H-53 Sea Stallion

Used by the U.S. Navy to transport materiel and personnel, recover damaged aircraft, and support amphibious operations. It features a seven-bladed main rotor made of titanium and fiberglass.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 73 ft. 4 in.
  • Rotor diameter: 79 ft.
  • Height: 28 ft. 5 in.
  • Gross weight (including max underslung payload of 32,000 lb): 73,500 lb
  • Performance:
  • Cruising speed: 173 mph
  • Range: over 1,200 miles
  • Powerplant: Three General Electric T64 turboshaft engines, >4,000 hp each

Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk

A utility helicopter intended to replace the Bell UH-1, built in several versions including electronic countermeasures variants (EH-60A/B). The basic craft can carry one or two M60 machine guns and is compatible with Hellfire missiles.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 64 ft. 1 in.
  • Rotor diameter: 53 ft. 8 in.
  • Height: 16 ft. 10 in.
  • Gross weight: 20,200 lb.
  • Performance:
  • Top speed: 184 mph
  • Cruising speed: 167 mph
  • Range: 375 miles; endurance: over 2 hours
  • Powerplant: Two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines, 1,560 hp each

Westland Lynx

Developed in cooperation with France, the Lynx serves with the British Army and Navy and several other air forces. It is used for electronic warfare, maritime patrol, antisubmarine patrol, and can carry combinations of cannon, miniguns, unguided rockets, TOW or HOT missiles, torpedoes, or depth charges.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 43 ft. 2 in.
  • Rotor diameter: 42 ft. 0 in.
  • Height: 11 ft. 4 in.
  • Performance:
  • Cruising speed: 160 mph (Army), 145 mph (Navy)

Sikorsky H-3 Sea King

An amphibious helicopter in service since 1961, delivered to the Navy and (as the S-61) to the Air Force. In antisubmarine roles the SH-3D carries homing torpedoes.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 72 ft. 8 in.
  • Rotor diameter: 62 ft. 0 in.
  • Height: 16 ft. 10 in.
  • Gross weight: 20,500 lb.
  • Performance:
  • Maximum rate of climb (sea level): 2,200 ft/min
  • Cruising speed (S-61R): 135 mph
  • Range: 625 miles
  • Hovering ceiling: over 8,000 ft
  • Powerplant: Two General Electric T58 turboshaft engines, 1,400 hp each

Aerospatiale AS.332 Super Puma

A larger development of the 1968 Puma, the AS.332 is in production for French Army and Navy and civil operators. Army armament can include a 20mm gun, two .30-caliber machine guns, or up to 44 unguided rockets. Naval versions can carry Exocet missiles or torpedoes.

  • Performance:
  • Top speed: 184 mph
  • Cruising speed: 173 mph
  • Rate of climb (sea level): 1,800 ft/min
  • Service ceiling: 15,600 ft
  • Range: over 400 miles (standard fuel)
  • Powerplant: Two Turbomeca Makila engines, 1,780 shp each

Aerospatiale SA.342 Gazelle

A French-designed light helicopter armed with wire-guided HOT missiles or Matra unguided rockets, plus two .30-caliber machine guns. Used for antitank warfare; also built by Westland in England.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 39 ft. 3 in.
  • Rotor diameter: 34 ft. 6 in.
  • Height: 10 ft. 5 in.
  • Performance:
  • Maximum cruising speed: 164 mph
  • Rate of climb (sea level): ~1,700 ft/min
  • Range (with 1,100-lb payload): 225 miles

Bell OH-58 Kiowa

A light observation helicopter used by the U.S. Army and other forces. The Kiowa won the 1968 light observation competition and spawned orders of several thousand. It is similar to the popular Jet Ranger. An advanced version features a mast-mounted sight, a four-bladed composite main rotor, and missile-carrying capability.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 41 ft.
  • Rotor diameter: 35 ft. 4 in.
  • Performance:
  • Maximum speed (sea level): 138 mph
  • Maximum range (armed scout version): 300 miles
  • Powerplant:
  • Earlier versions: Allison T63 turboshaft, 420 shp
  • Improved version: Allison 250 (approx. 420 hp)
  • Armament/capacity:
  • Standard armament: single .30-caliber machine gun
  • Can carry two passengers or up to 40 cubic feet of cargo

Allied Coalition Missiles

The Gulf War marked the first conflict in which missiles and guided bombs played a decisive role. Whereas World War II missiles were limited prototypes, in the Persian Gulf War missiles exploiting infrared, laser, limited stealth, and radar technologies were central to allied strategy from the first hour of fighting.

Raytheon MIM-104 Patriot

The Patriot system includes a highly automated fire control center connected to a battery of launchers. It detects, analyzes, and engages incoming missiles — notably used against Iraqi Scuds.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 17 ft. 5 in.
  • Diameter: 1 ft. 4 in.
  • Weight at launch: 2,200 lb.
  • Performance:
  • Top speed: Mach 3

General Dynamics BGM-109 Tomahawk

Deployed in the Gulf War for the first time, the tactical Tomahawk cruise missile can be launched from aircraft, ships, or ground platforms. Using limited stealth technology and a built-in computerized course, Tomahawks struck targets in Baghdad and elsewhere with high precision.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 18 ft. 0 in. (plus 3-ft booster)
  • Diameter: 1 ft. 9 in.
  • Performance:
  • Cruising speed: ~550 mph
  • Range: over 550 miles
  • Warhead: 265 lb. high explosive
  • Powerplant: Teledyne turbojet, ~400 lb thrust

Hughes M-109 TOW

Named because it is tube-launched, optically tracked, and wire-guided, the TOW can be fired from ground tripods, vehicles, or attack helicopters. An operator keeps sight of the target while guidance signals are sent via a trailing wire.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 5 ft. 1 in.
  • Diameter: 6 in.
  • Weight (missile only): 57 lb.
  • Performance:
  • Maximum range: ~2½ miles
  • Speed: ~625 mph
  • Motor: Hercules K-41 solid-fuel

Hughes AGM-65 Maverick

A TV-guided air-to-ground missile carried by fighters and fighter-bombers for high-precision attacks. A TV camera in the nose transmits an image to the cockpit; the pilot acquires the target and the missile homes via its electro-optical system. Its use is limited to clear-weather conditions since the camera cannot see through clouds.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 8 ft. 1 in.
  • Wingspan: 2 ft. 4 in.
  • Diameter: 1 ft.
  • Weight: 462 lb.
  • Performance:
  • Range: up to 14 miles
  • Powerplant: Thiokol TX-481 solid-fuel motor

Naval Weapons Center AIM-9 Sidewinder

Introduced in 1955, the Sidewinder was the world's first truly effective guided air-to-air missile. It homes on engine-exhaust heat and delivers a 25-lb. high-explosive warhead.

  • Specifications (AIM-9D/AIM-9 variants):
  • Length: ~9 ft. 6 in.
  • Fin span: ~2 ft. 1 in.
  • Performance:
  • Speed: up to Mach 2.5
  • Range: ~2 miles
  • Powerplant: Rocketdyne Mk.36 solid-fuel rocket motor
  • Warhead: ~25 lb. high explosive

Raytheon AIM-7 Sparrow

A radar-homing air-to-air missile useful in all types of weather, usually carried by aircraft and sometimes by ships. Pivoting cruciform delta wings both control the missile and aid in maneuvering.

  • Specifications (AIM-7F):
  • Length: 12 ft. 0 in.
  • Wingspan: 3 ft. 4 in.
  • Diameter: 8 in.
  • Performance:
  • Speed: up to Mach 3.5
  • Range: ~28 miles
  • Powerplant: Hercules Mk.58 solid-fuel motor

Texas Instruments AGM-88 HARM

An antiradar missile that locks onto enemy radar emissions and homes back to the radar source. It can function even if the radar is briefly shut down. Its 145-lb. warhead sprays targets with thousands of small metal fragments to damage fragile electronics and equipment.

  • Performance:
  • Top speed: over Mach 3
  • Warhead: 145 lb. fragmentation

Naval Weapons Center AGM-45 Shrike

An antiradar missile launched by Wild Weasel aircraft (notably F-4 Phantom II). The Shrike homes on enemy radar emissions and was pioneered during the Vietnam War.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Wingspan: 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Diameter: 8 in.
  • Performance:
  • Range: over 3 miles
  • Propulsion: single solid-fuel rocket motor

Raytheon MIM-23 Hawk

A medium-range antiaircraft missile that replaced less accurate flak guns. Fired from ground launchers (typically three per launcher), Hawk missiles carry their own radar and guidance after ground radar provides initial detection and direction.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 16 ft. 6 in.
  • Diameter: 1 ft. 2 in.
  • Launch weight: 1,380 lb.
  • Performance:
  • Top speed: Mach 2.5
  • Warhead: 120 lb. high explosive with proximity fuse
  • Propulsion: solid-fuel rocket

British Aerospace Sea Skua

An all-weather antiship missile carried aboard Lynx helicopters. Sea Skua skims the water to attack fast patrol boats. Onboard radar enables low-level flight, and the helicopter's radar provides initial guidance and control.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 9 ft. 4 in.
  • Diameter: 8¾ in.
  • Wingspan: ~2 ft. ½ in.
  • Weight: 324 lb.

Matra R.550 Magic

France's short- to medium-range infrared homing air-to-air missile, replacing earlier Sidewinder variants in French service. Its infrared seeker homes on heat sources such as jet exhaust and is carried by Mirage and Jaguar fighters.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 9 ft. 2 in.
  • Fin span: 2 ft. 2 in.
  • Diameter: 6 in.
  • Performance:
  • Range: ~4 miles
  • Propulsion: solid-fuel rocket motor

Rockwell AGM-114 Hellfire

A laser-guided antitank missile designed as a helicopter-launched weapon for AH-64 Apaches and some UH-60 variants. Produced in both laser-guided and infrared (seeker) versions.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 5 ft. 4 in.
  • Diameter: 7 in.
  • Weight: ~100 lb.
  • Performance:
  • Effective range: over 4 miles (platform-dependent)

British Aerospace GWS-30 Sea Dart

A ship-launched area-defense missile against aircraft and incoming missiles. Powered by a Rolls-Royce ramjet and guided by radar and semiactive homing.

  • Specifications:
  • Length: 14 ft. 4 in.
  • Diameter: 3 ft.
  • Launch weight: 1,200 lb.
  • Performance:
  • Effective range: up to 35 miles

The conclusion next month will present the airplanes, helicopters, and missiles that were available to the Iraqi forces in the Persian Gulf War.

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.